How to call on the Muses for creative assistance.

Written by: Angie Noll

We’ve all heard of artists who talk about “going into the zone” or of feeling inspired by a higher power, by something that comes from above. Julia Cameron popularised the view that art is indeed a spiritual activity, and I’m willing to bet that you’ve experienced the divine nature of being inspired by the muses at least once.

But have you tried to consciously harness divine inspiration? Or do you rely on luck, hoping that today is the day the gods of creativity and inspiration will take a liking to you?

But every time I try, it doesn’t work

I have a fairly well developed sixth sense, and I interact with Angels, guides and spirits that have crossed over. It’s just how I am. But it also means that I’ve learnt to call on this higher realm for creative assistance – from inspiration to the business side – and it never fails to amaze me how much support and specific guidance we have access to if only we would remember that it’s there. Initially, it might feel like it doesn’t work because:

I’ve also had people say, ‘But I’ve tried asking for inspiration, and it never works.’

Initially, it might feel like ‘it’ doesn’t work because:

The answer isn’t what we expected, or

We forget to listen for the answer, or

We don’t recognise the answer for what it is, or

We’re trying too hard, demanding and getting angry and impatient.

Let me assure you that the Angels and Guides always answer. And this is the first step to talking to them – you have to know inside yourself that they will answer. If you doubt this, you’re likely to miss the response and go back to thinking that your divine helpers don’t listen and respond to you.

Without this crucial step, which is something that happens inside of you, none of the techniques described below will work, because you’ll always doubt yourself and what you’re receiving.

Here are the three basic tools for talking to the Angels and Guides that I used when I first started to actively use my spiritual support system in my creative pursuits.

1. Meditation

Many people rally against the idea of meditation, and it’s understandable. Every aspect of modern life urges us to go, go, go. The very idea of meditation – slowing down – seems to go against the grain of modern life completely.

If you’re an artist struggling to find the time for your art, then the idea of finding even more quiet time for meditation might seem like a tall order.

However, I urge you to get in the habit of taking twenty minutes for yourself every day – the rewards will benefit your creative soul exponentially.

Learn to become comfortable with your own company – as this is the place that you create from.

Not only is meditation your number one high-speed connection to the Muses, it’s also beneficial for a myriad of other things, including health, stress reduction, emotional well-being and decision-making ability. And creativity, of course.

Automatic Writing

This is a simple but effective way to communicate with the Muses of Inspiration. All you need is a pen and paper, some quiet time and a timer. Decide how long you’ll be writing for (or painting, I guess – I’ve never tried this in any other art form besides writing, but you’re welcome to give it a go.)

Once you start, you’re not allowed to stop for your allotted time. I often use this technique as a way to excavate deeper into a topic that I want to write about but can’t find the right words or ideas. Once I’ve done this, I’m able to write clearly and deeply about that topic.

You can pick a broad topic, say “apple” or “snail” or “prejudice” and use this process to get to the essence of what it is you’re trying to say or depict about your topic. Or use it without a topic in mind – just let yourself express freely and unhindered by thought for your allotted time.

Oracle cards

Oracle cards are fun to play with, and they can give you some insightful general guidance.

Don’t ask the same question over and over until you get a card that satisfies you. Ask your question, shuffle the cards however you like, and accept the card you’re given.

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